Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator OIT/I/II/III en City of Watsonville, CA
City of Watsonville, CA · Watsonville, Estados Unidos De América · Onsite
- Junior
- Oficina en Watsonville
About the Department
The City of Watsonville is recruiting for 1 operator position, from the Trainee through Operator III level. This recruitment will be used to fill the one vacancy and create a list to fill potential future vacancies.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, operates and maintains a variety of equipment and machinery in the wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities. This job class performs other related duties in the Wastewater Division as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
This job class performs unskilled operational and maintenance tasks while learning semi-skilled and more skilled tasks. This job class is the entry and training level classification in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the immediate supervision of a higher-level Operator and/or a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent learns how to perform a variety of duties associated with operating and maintaining the City’s wastewater treatment and recycling facilities and provides assistance to more experienced operators. Although specific wastewater treatment and recycling experience is not required to qualify for the class, incumbents must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within 30 days of employment as required by law. The incumbent will be required to obtain a Grade I Wastewater certification from the State Water Resources Control Board within 18 months of initial employment.
This class can be distinguished from the higher-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I because incumbents in the latter class must have a Grade I certificate and are expected to perform duties that require a higher level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Trainee level shall promote to the Operator I class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I
This is the first working-level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the general supervision of a higher-level Operator and/or a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs the more routine duties associated with operating and maintaining the City’s wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, while still receiving direction and supervision as needed from a more experienced Operator. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The incumbent will be required to obtain a Grade II certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board within 24 months.
This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee because incumbents in the latter class must possess an Operator-in-Training certificate and are trained to perform the most routine plant operations and maintenance activities. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade II certificate and are expected to perform duties that require a higher level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Operator I level shall promote to the Operator II class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II
This is the second working-level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the general supervision of a higher-level Operator and/or a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs a wide variety of duties associated with operating and maintaining the City’s wastewater treatment and recycling facilities while still receiving direction and supervision as needed from a more experienced Operator. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade I certificate and generally perform more routine plant operations and maintenance activities. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade III certificate and are expected to perform the full range of journey-level Operator duties with a high level of skill and independent judgment. Incumbents at the Operator II level shall promote to the Operator III class when they meet the requirements of the higher-level class and have demonstrated sufficient proficiency at that level. The incumbent will be required to obtain a Grade III certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board within 48 months of initial employment.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III
This is the full journey-level class in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. An incumbent in this class works under the direction of a higher-level supervisor or manager. At this level, an incumbent independently performs the full range of journey-level duties associated with operating and maintaining the City’s wastewater treatment and recycling facilities and is fully certified and competent to serve as the designated Operator-In-Charge (DOIC) on an occasional basis. To qualify for this class, applicants must possess a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II because incumbents in the latter class must possess a Grade II certificate and generally perform less complex plant operations and maintenance activities with a greater amount of direct supervision. This class can also be distinguished from the higher-level class of Lead Operator because an incumbent in the latter class serves as a regular shift supervisor on an ongoing basis and serves as a lead worker over subordinate employees, and must possess an SWRCB Grade IV certificate.
Position Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Monitors, operates, and adjusts controls at the City’s wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities
Controls the operation of treatment, pumping, and water recycling facilities to regulate the flow of wastewater through the system as well as achieve proper processing of wastewater and the re-use of biosolids and recycled water within mandated operational requirements
Conducts facility rounds and regular inspections of all plant equipment located at the wastewater treatment and water recycling facilities to assure proper operational efficiency
Monitor and adjust the facility Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to maintain proper operating conditions.
Lubricates pumps and other technical apparatus for proper operation
Adjusts valves and controls as necessary to maintain proper flow and treatment of wastewater
Conducts periodic readings of meters and gauges and records data in the plant operating logs; maintains detailed and accurate operation and maintenance records
Adjusts and regulates chemical feeds in wastewater treatment, and water recycling processes
Works in an assigned area and is responsible to operate chemical, biological, mechanical, and physical treatment process
Operates sludge dewatering technology, and uses heavy equipment to dry biosolids
Performs a variety of manual tasks involving the handling of equipment exposed to raw sewage including the cleaning and maintenance of clogged pumps, wet wells, sump basins, and others
Performs laboratory sampling and analyses as assigned
Performs a wide variety of preventative maintenance work and minor mechanical repairs in connection with the repair and upkeep of the plant’s facilities
Attend and participate in meetings, training, and safety sessions; participate in team projects and task forces as required
May provide training and direction to less experienced employees.
Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace
Participate in appropriate safety procedures, including those related to working in confined spaces, the safe handling of chemicals, and lock-out-tag-out procedures.
Performs related duties similar to the above in the scope and function required
Works shifts as required
Works holidays and weekends as required
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Principles of and typical operations, services, and activities within wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities.
General safety practices pertaining to the use of vehicles, power equipment, and hazardous materials; specific occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for working in wastewater treatment, water recycling plant, and related facilities.
Principles of mathematics, including algebra and geometry.
Basic principles of hydraulics.
Laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the operation of wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities.
Methods of effective interpersonal communication.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as email, calendar, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Safely and effectively perform a variety of duties pertaining to the operation and maintenance of equipment, instruments, and structures used within the wastewater treatment and recycling facilities, and related Wastewater Division facilities.
Recognize and report unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and recommend solutions.
Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices.
Make proper logbook entries and maintain accurate logs, records, reports, and charts.
maintain good public relations with people contacted during work assignments and in the performance of required duties
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Work in confined spaces
Handle hazardous chemicals in a safe manner
Operate a variety of hand and power tools and testing equipment
Operate heavy equipment such as a forklift, loader, or crane truck.
Operate light and heavy vehicles
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Work shifts as required.
Work holidays and weekends as required.
Respond to emergency situations in an appropriate manner
- Conduct work and plant safety programs.
- Perform complex and skilled operation and preventative maintenance functions related to wastewater treatment plant equipment.
- Actively listen and assist the Operations Supervisor in problem resolution and process improvement.
- Actively listen and provide coaching, and guidance appropriate to lower-level operations staff.
- Provide supervision to operations interns and/or volunteers as required.
- Read and interpret gauges and other recording devices reflecting wastewater treatment plant operations and make complex operational adjustments based on recorded data.
- Maintain and update logs, records, and charts.
- Enter operational data into the computer as required.
- Interact effectively with outside agencies and the public.
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
- Perform various wastewater laboratory analyses.
- Carry a pager and/or cell phone and/or laptop computer.
- Work shifts, holidays, and weekends.
- Work in confined spaces and/or respond in an emergency
- Be able to respond to after-hours emergencies within a reasonable response time not to exceed one hour under normal traffic conditions.
Minimum Qualifications
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
Be exposed to chemicals, bacteria, unpleasant odors, and raw sewage.
Drive an automobile.
Climb ladders and stairs.
Grasp with right and left hands.
Use fine hand manipulation.
Perform manual labor involving frequent bending, pulling, pushing, lifting, climbing and carrying of weights up to 50 lbs.
Hear and distinguish various sounds, such as abnormal equipment sounds, voices of co-workers in noisy environments, pager, cell phone, etc.
Use a computer keyboard.
Walk on uneven surfaces.
Work outside in inclement weather.
Work in confined spaces and/or respond in an emergency
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities is:
Equivalent to graduation from high school. Technical or college-level coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or a related area is highly desirable.
One year of previous work experience working with pumps, motors, and other mechanical equipment
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III
- One year of work experience comparable to that of a Wastewater Operator II with the City of Watsonville.
- Equivalent to graduation from high school. Technical or college-level coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, or a related area is highly desirable.
LICENSE & CERTIFICATION:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee/I/II
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a safe driving record
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training certificate issued by the SWRCB within 30 days of employment.
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within 18 months of hire
Continued maintenance of a valid Operator-in-Training certificate is a condition of continuing employment.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I
Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade I certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment.
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the SWRCB within 24 months of hire or from the date of obtaining a Grade I certificate.
Continued maintenance of a valid Grade I certificate is a condition of continuing employment.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II
Possession of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade II certificate issued by the SWRCB at the time of appointment.
Must obtain a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Grade III certificate issued by the SWRCB within 48 months of hire or from the date of obtaining a Grade II certificate.
Continued maintenance of a valid Grade II certificate is a condition of continuing employment
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III
- Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a safe driving record
- Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record.
- A Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
- Continued maintenance of a valid Grade III certificate is a condition of continuing employment.
Other Qualifications
Prior to appointment to the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator OIT/I/II/III , a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.
The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.
NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.
